The automated retail industry is one of the two core technology showplaces today (financial Services being #2).
Emerging technologies such as robotics, lockers, digital signage, vending and automated vending lead the way. Amazon and Google revolutionize physical delivery. OuterWall has another great idea (or not).
More mature retail technology includes interactive displays, next-generation POS, mobile interplay, multi-touch, kiosks for self-service, video services, and customer service technology.
Companion technologies include ATMs, kiosks, Advanced ATMS, NFC and thin client.
Standards – here we have more regulatory guidelines in play along with more standards than any other industry. PCI, OPOS, JPOS, MPOS, HIPAA, ADA, UL, CE just to name a few.
Job automation won’t be as bad as we think, so we need to learn how to stop working and prepare so we’re not dragged into the future kicking and screaming.
As our society becomes more focused on personalization, the food we eat is the next target for market disruption, and 3D-printed foods may lead the charge.
3D printers are being used experimentally for producing pizza, chocolate, pasta, and many more options. NASA is studying the feasibility of using 3D-printed foods for long space flights.
Adidas has chosen Knapp to provide the technology for its new Campus North eCommerce distribution centre in Germany, as the wider retail industry continues its warehouse automation journey.
To address the threat from the mass-proliferation of hardware devices such as Internet routers, DVRs and IP cameras that ship with default-insecure settings, we probably need an industry security association, with published standards that all members adhere to and are audited against periodically.
“Over the last 15 years, HyperActive’s name has become synonymous with outdoor drive-thru technology. Our name change presents a very clear message that we are expanding our portfolio to include the full suite of digital technology, both indoor and outdoor, and across many industry sectors,” said Scott Marentay, chief operating officer for Acrelec America.
Consumers can now download the 365Pay app, set up their accounts, and begin purchasing products at designated vending machines equipped with the 365Inside device. They can use the app to access product and nutritional information from their mobile devices. They can also send cashless credits to the vending machine, view purchase history, reload funds to the account balance within the app and contact operators by email.
Pizza Touch has a vending machine in a Lakeland, Fla., Mobil Mart, and two others in Orlando. Soon, the company will place 100 pizza vending machines at convenience stores and other locations throughout Florida.